CUMBERNAULD warned to be on the lookout for bogus callers

The group – made up of a female and two males – are chapping on doors and pretending to be from the local authority or they say they are from the water board and need to inspect drains.

Police say there are several instances they are investigating including one on Monday, September 3, at around 12.30pm when a 87-year-old woman had a four figure sum of cash stolen from her home.

The pensioner was tricked by the group who advised they needed to gain access to her home to check the drains in the garden.

There were two further similar incidents on the same day which police are treating as potentially linked.

The group are using a silver 54 plate car and are travelling around the North Lanarkshire area.

The women is around 20 to 24 years old, slim and she has brown hair which is tied back. She was wearing a blue fleece and dark trousers.

The first male suspect is around 20 to 25 years old, slim and he has a shallow complexion. He was wearing a dark skip cap, dark top and Henley jeans.

The second male suspect is around 28 to 29 years old and he has a stocky build. He was wearing a dark baseball cap, navy fleece and a light blue shirt.

A police spokesman said: “The incidents which have been reported in North Lanarkshire are particularly concerning as the group are targeting the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“If any of the people described in these incidents attend your door then do not allow them in and call the police immediately.

“Staff from the council and water board all carry ID badges. Do not let anyone in your house unless you are 100 per cent sure of who they are.

“I would ask anyone who has any information in respect of such incidents to call Coatbridge CID on 01236 502060. You can also give information through Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.“